If you’re tired of the same old tourist circuits and want to escape the crowds for your next road trip, this blog is for you. India is full of hidden travel gems, lesser-known towns, and scenic drives that are perfect for wanderers looking to explore the road less taken.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned roadtripper, these destinations offer a mix of cultural depth, natural beauty, and undiscovered adventures.
- Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh – The Grand Canyon of India
A stunning gorge carved by the Penna River, Gandikota offers majestic cliff views, ancient forts, and camping under the stars.
Best road trip from: Bangalore (5–6 hrs)
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Hidden Himalayan Gem
A remote town dotted with monasteries, snow-capped peaks, and cultural silence. Tawang is a journey that tests your patience and rewards your soul.
Best road trip from: Tezpur, Assam
- Majuli Island, Assam – India’s Largest River Island
Take a ferry to a place untouched by time. Explore satras (monasteries), tribal art, and bike trails on this peaceful island.
Best road trip from: Jorhat, Assam
- Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu – The Ghost Town by the Sea
A road that ends where the land does. Visit temple ruins, sunken railway lines, and desolate shores at this surreal destination.
Best road trip from: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
🛕 5. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh – Temple Town with a Twist
Perfect for a short weekend trip. Marvel at hanging pillars, frescoes, and the world’s largest Nandi statue.
Best road trip from: Bangalore (2–3 hrs)
- Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh – Where Music Meets Mountain
Home to the Apatani tribe and the famous Ziro Music Festival, this hidden valley is green, musical, and magical.
Best road trip from: Naharlagun
- Chopta, Uttarakhand – Mini Switzerland of India
Basecamp for the Tungnath trek, this meadow town offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.
Best road trip from: Rishikesh or Haridwar
- Chilika Lake, Odisha – Flamingos and Floating Islands
Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon where you can spot dolphins and flamingos on a tranquil boat ride.
Best road trip from: Bhubaneswar or Puri
- Patan, Gujarat – Stepwell Secrets and Heritage Lanes
UNESCO-listed Rani ki Vav, intricate jharokhas, and weaving heritage make Patan a quiet delight.
Best road trip from: Ahmedabad, Gujrat
- Agumbe, Karnataka – The Cherrapunji of the South
Lush rainforests, King Cobras, and misty sunsets over the Western Ghats await.
Best road trip from: Mangalore or Bangalore
- Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh – The Niagara of India
Massive horseshoe-shaped waterfalls in the heart of Bastar’s tribal lands.
Best road trip from: Jagdalpur
- Raghurajpur, Odisha – The Artists’ Village
Every wall, hut, and home is painted with Pattachitra art. Meet traditional artists and buy direct.
13.Osian, Rajasthan – Desert Without the Crowd
Skip Jaisalmer. Instead, enjoy camel rides, heritage temples, and starry skies in this peaceful Thar outpost.
Best road trip from: Jodhpur
- Lonar Crater, Maharashtra – Meteor Magic
A massive crater lake formed by a meteor impact, surrounded by ancient temples and unique geology.
Best road trip from: Aurangabad
- Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – Spiritual and Serene
At the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill lies a town where seekers from around the world come to walk, pray, and meditate.
Best road trip from: Chennai
India is more than just Taj Mahal and Manali — it’s filled with underrated places waiting to be discovered by road. Whether you’re a biker, backpacker, or family traveler, these offbeat experiences promise more than just a vacation — they offer stories.
Pro Tips for Road Trippers:
• Use offline maps for remote areas
• Travel light, but carry basics like snacks, power banks, and IDs
• Plan pit stops, fuel, and accommodation ahead of time for isolated routes
